49ers report card: Putting the A' in Garoppolo

CHICAGO – Here is how the 49ers (2-10) graded in Sunday’s 15-14 comeback win over the host Chicago Bears (3-9):

PASS OFFENSE: A

Jimmy Garoppolo’s starting debut made this whole unit much improved, although the Bears lowly defense helped matters. Garoppolo (26-of-37, 293 yards, one interception) exhibited skillful accuracy, touch, mobility and overall leadership. His accuracy resulted in Marquise Goodwin (eight catches, 99 yards) and Trent Taylor (six catches, 92 yards) nabbing all their targets. Taylor deserves extra kudos for playing through a stomach flu and making five third-down conversions. Solid protection from the line most of the game.

RUN OFFENSE: B

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Yes, Carlos Hyde should have more than 54 yards on 17 carries — he had 98 yards on 17 against the Giants – but he came through with an 18-yard run on third-and-1 on the winning drive. A lot of lanes opened for him and Matt Breida (career-high 12 carries, 45 yards).

PASS DEFENSE: A

Anytime you can limit an opponent to 102 passing yards (or 85 net passing yards), then you’ve done your job, although Mitchell Trubisky’s weak supporting cast helped matters. Elvis Dumervil and Cassius Marsh sacked Trubisky, but more pressure came from Solomon Thomas. DeForest Buckner is a double-team magnet and that’s impacting his personal production. Greg Mabin got beat for the Bears only touchdown as an injury fill-in for Dontae Johnson.

RUN DEFENSE: A

Reuben Foster had a team-high seven tackles and strong support from his fellow defenders, including safeties Eric Reid and Adrian Colbert. Jordan Howard, bidding for his fifth 100-yard game this season, gained only 2.9 yards per carry (13 carries, 38 yards).

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

Robbie Gould’s five field goals were enough to merit a victory, and he looked comfortable on his former field, where he missed a potential game-winner for the Bears in a 2015 loss to the 49ers. Disaster struck on the 49ers’ first punt as Tarik Cohen returned it for a touchdown. Trent Taylor had a 19-yard punt return; why he later fielded one inside the 10-yard line is questionable.

COACHING: A

Kyle Shanahan’s outfit has won 2 of 3 since its 0-9 start. He crafted a winning game plan that Garoppolo seemed to comprehend and thrive in as the starter. His staff also deserves credit for rallying up everyone. On to Houston.